Mosaic Depicting Paulina and possibly Rufina, her younger sister

Mosaic Depicting Paulina and possibly Rufina, her younger sister

Paulina, as matriarch of the household and probably motivator behind the construction of this private space, beckons the observer to worship with her outstretched arm. This image was located in the lower register of the right side of the shrine and underscores the intimate nature of household piety. A confidant of St Jerome, Paulina was part of a family of holy women, including her two sisters Blessila and Eustochium and her mother. Interestingly, Rufina, depicted here, was not listed by Jerome as saints.

Ana Munk

Ana Munk. "Domestic Piety in Fourth Century Rome: A Relic Shrine Beneath the Church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo." Hortus Artium Medievalium 15, no. 1. 2009.

2009

Photo taken by Ana Munk; permission granted for non-commercial, educational use